Results from the Rumble 2

Rumble times are some of the best times at the gym. There is an electrical charge in the air (despite Eskom trying to stop the show with some load shedding earlier in the day). The route setters nervously pace around, doing last minute tweaks as the first competitors start to drift in, their eyes widening at the seemingly empty walls. There is a low buzz of conversation as they discuss what they see, trying to suss out the beta, wondering what the best strategy is. Their first few timid attempts on the easier climbs break the ice and soon the atmosphere heats up, the crowds appear, the guns start firing and its game time.

I found this Rumble particularly festive and with competitors ranging from the ol’ legends to the eager young guns who don’t know how to stop trying. There were a number of crowd pleasing moments as climbers of all abilities battled problems pitched at their level to be met with applause as they triumphantly placed both hands on the final hold.

Problem 14 separated the top spots in the Men’s Expert Category with Stefan Lutge breathing down Scott “you’ll never beat me weaklings” Sinclair’s neck followed closely by Dave “off the couch” Drummond. No-one managed to defeat problem 15 on the night but I’m sure many will return to try.

Many thanks to the route setters, Michael van der Ham, Jo Mare and Gabriel Attwood, for a sterling job.

Thanks to those who tweeted about their Rumble experience (using the hash tag #SRRumble2). Below is the winning photo by Dave Drummond followed by the runner up photo by Scott Sinclair. Dave, swing past the gym sometime to collect your spot prize. As for the rest of you, see you at the next Rumble.